Scott's Journal

Just giving everyone an update on my situation.I am in my 11th week since AVR surgery.I feel great physically.I've been walking everyday but having some pain on an old ankle injury.So I bought a bike that I've been riding everyday instead.Less pain in the ankle and better aerobic exercise for me personally.I asked for a release letter from my surgeon which was written out and mailed to me.He told me 10-12 weeks before I could return to work.I will return in my 12th week.I don't have any pain or soreness.Just a little stiff in the chest sometimes.I've been following all the doctors instructions.My garden looks great.I've washed and waxed all the vehicles and done some yard work while I've been home.Haven't really done much heavy lifting yet so I expect to be tired after my first week back at work..I've done some weightlifting at my home gym but I need to do more.I am going on vacation this saturday for 7 days and will return to work soon afterward.I was looking for a new job and was notified that they hired someone else instead.Not related to my being out recovering. I will be using my gym membership when I get back to build up some lost muscle and endurance.I wish everyone the best with your upcoming surgeries and thank you all for your well wishes,I am very happy to have found this site.It has been very helpful to me..

It's been 7days AVR post-op and I got home yesterday at 12pm.I'm here clicking away.I feel much better than I thought at this point.I can equate that to being in decent shape before surgery,uneventful hospital recovery,fast IMR response,and the many prayers I have received from everyone.I did almost 1mi of walking today..Lung capacity needs work but I guess that comes back in time.my IMR was 1.93 when I left the hospital today it was 2.2. I was told it needs to be between 2 and 3.i got the Sorin Valve made in Italy.Best to all headed to the OR,stay optimistic and do the work!

Well it's my 5th day in the hospital since my AVR and I feel better than I thought I would.My INR is still low so the Heparin drip is gonna stay in for now.I could use a poop..LOL..Had a good old timer nurse last nite and a good blood draw guy the past few days.Best to everyone!

So I'm sitting upright in a chair this morning feeling pretty good,and clicking away..Strange hearing the valve open and close.Breathing well,a few minor fevers the past few days.Eating and bathroom activities are fine.The catheter and chest tubes were removed Friday and surgery was Wednesday.I had the full sternotomy.Had some amazing nurses so far some not so good.Not sleeping much at all.Hoping to go home Monday after Coumadin levels are set.Right now I am on A Heparin Drip.Thanks for all the well wishes and positive thoughts from everyone here..More updates to come! St Vincent pray for us!

So I went on a second interview for a promising new job today,the day before my AVR replacement..I met with the comptroller and COO in a neighboring town.The interview went very well with lots of smiles and good vibes given and taken..At the end I asked about the hiring time.They asked if I was under contract and I told them that I would not be available until Sept,which is about 12 weeks per my surgeon.I do some physical labor and heavy lifting.. To my surprise they said that waiting is not a problem for the right person..I almost fell off the chair..Looking forward as I always do,I will have a nice new heart valve and a possible new job.. You just can't make this stuff up...Thanks be to God!

Took off from work today to meet with my surgeon and complete the final pre-op blood tests.Surgeon didn't offer much. My AVR seems very routine.I have no other medical issues that would interfere and I'm not on any medications.All my vitals are normal.Surgeon says that now is the right time for surgery.He is just very matter of fact about the whole thing..He makes me feel comfortable but also seems to good to be true..I have my soap for the night before cleansing..They also gave me these wipes to use after my shower and the morning of without a shower..The wipes have the soap solution inbedded in them.Sort of like a steri-wipe for the whole body,from the neck down.

The pre op testing is complete.Had a cardiac X-ray,catscan,blood and urine tests. This giving blood thing is for the birds.i always seem to have a problem.The veins are hard to find in my arms and when they manage to find one they always seem to probe around with the needle..It just seems so prehistoric the way blood is taken..My next appointment is 6/22,two days before the surgery to me the surgeon for the pre op consult and last blood test.Thanks for the info on this site it's been helpful.

With my AVR surgery date set for 6/24,my next tasks will be the pre-op visits on 6/9 and 6/16. 6/9 will be the catscan,cardiac X-ray and consult with the surgeon. 6/16 will be the pre op blood test. 6/24.....Surgery!